The Walt Disney Company's future is in capable hands, according to Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle, who has praised Josh D'Amaro's leadership and vision. Vahle, who has worked closely with D'Amaro, believes he is the ideal candidate to take the reins as CEO, replacing Bob Iger on March 18, 2026. Vahle's confidence in D'Amaro is well-founded, given their shared passion for Disney's success and D'Amaro's impressive track record in the industry.
D'Amaro's journey at Disney began in 1998 at Disneyland Resort, where he quickly rose through the ranks. He became President of Disneyland Resort and later moved to Walt Disney World Resort as President in 2019, demonstrating his versatility and expertise. His leadership was instrumental in the development of iconic attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Avengers Campus, showcasing his ability to innovate and captivate audiences.
Vahle, who has been with Disney for 36 years, is one of the executives in the running to replace D'Amaro as Chairman of Disney Experiences. He oversees a vast empire, including four theme parks, 25 resort hotels, two water parks, a sports complex, and Disney Springs, with a dedicated team of 80,000 cast members. His leadership has resulted in the opening of major attractions, and he is currently managing substantial investments for new lands and attractions at Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom.
The search for D'Amaro's successor is ongoing, with Thomas Mazloum, President of Disneyland Resort, and Ken Potrock, President of Major Events Integration, also in the running. Each of these executives brings unique strengths and experiences to the table, reflecting Disney's commitment to diversity and talent development. The company's future is in capable hands, and the transition will be a seamless one, ensuring Disney's continued success and innovation.
